Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Senior Kerala oncologist narrates personal experience that led him to oncology; tryst with organic farming | Healthcare– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Dr Narayanankutty Warrier is a senior oncologist who has been playing a key role in cancer treatment in Kerala for over two decades. The doctor, who is the Medical Director of MVR Cancer Centre, Kozhikode, has seen the lives of hundreds of patients and has been part of their woes and joys for the last 25 years. He was the recipient of the prestigious ‘Legends of Medical Oncology-Lifetime Achievement Award,’ conferred by the Indian Society of Paediatric Oncology, a few months ago and many other such prestigious laurels in the past years. In a conversation with us, the senior doctor shares his journey in the medical field, instances that moved him, his interest in organic farming and more.
The senior doctor recalls that he stumbled upon oncology when his father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. “During those days, everyone chose either cardiology or neurology after completing their specialisation in general medicine. There weren’t any advanced treatment facilities or medicines available for cancer in oncology. Besides, it was also a time when most patients didn’t survive. I was inspired by one of my teachers Dr Salim, a noted haematologist who used to treat leukaemia. I chose oncology when most of my fellow mates went for cardiology and neurology after general medicine. But, treatments and medicines began suddenly appearing in oncology by the time I completed my studies in oncology,” recalls Dr Narayanankutty Warrier.
Dr Narayanankutty became an oncologist when cancer research was thriving worldwide. There is a disease called chronic myeloid leukaemia that causes severe side effects in patients. The patients often complained of extreme tiredness and exhaustion after a session of chemotherapy. But a tablet was launched that could stabilise them. Dr Narayankutty credits medicine with significant advances in cancer treatment. This was followed by many other treatment methods and modern medicines, which delivered incredible positive outcomes. Dr Narayanakutty says that in 2026, cancer will be treatable like any other disease.
Positivity in cancer wards
Dr Narayanankutty says he has worked tirelessly and honestly, even though it is a field where he sees tears and pain every day. He acknowledges his family’s support for keeping him calm. His wife, Dr Mini, is an anaesthesiologist, and his children are doctors as well. “I have always enjoyed their support. When there weren’t mobile phones, my kids would be picking up the land phone when I called home. It was such a relief talking to them. Besides, our attitude towards our patients plays a key role. We will have to see their suffering and pain regularly. But, we should stand with them, offer them support and make them feel that we are with them. Our support may mean a lot to them. You should enter this field only if you are willing to do that,” says Dr Narayanankutty.
The doctor says that he feels happy and proud when the patients he treated as kids come back later to invite him to their wedding or visit him with their kids. He notes that a doctor would surely enjoy such positive experiences too. Moreover, he is grateful for their prayers and good wishes. “We may not be able to do anything on time in our personal lives. We wouldn’t be able to go shopping or do many other important things. But everything will fall in place perfectly. We will have everything in life as we are blessed with people’s love,” notes Dr Narayanankutty.
Balance is key
Dr Narayankutty is realistic when he says that one hardly has time for oneself if working in oncology. But he enjoys it when people call him or approach him for a short chat. His advice to young professionals is to strike a perfect balance between career and personal life. “Your peace of mind would be shattered when you begin to think these calls and conversations are annoying. You should understand that they are calling you because they have no one else to speak to. It is an important responsibility that you should fulfil. I have heard people say that they work even on Sundays just to earn money. But a person who is really busy wouldn’t work on a holiday even if he is offered gold in return. However, you would go to the hospital on Sundays when you think about the patient’s suffering and pain,” the doctor says.
Painful experiences
There have been countless experiences that have broken Dr Narayanankutty’s heart over his 25-year career. He has shared some of them in his memoir Cancer Katha Parayumbol. Once, after falling ill for three days, the doctor reached the hospital on the fourth day. A few patients were admitted by then. Usually, he goes for rounds quite early, on the days he returns after taking leave of absence as there would a long queue of patients waiting for him in the OP. That morning, he heard the loudspeakers blaring ‘code blue’. A code blue indicates a medical emergency, typically involving a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.
The doctor assigned should rush to the patient as soon as code blue is declared. Meanwhile, Dr Narayanankutty was busy finishing his rounds. He didn’t respond to the code as his patients wouldn’t generally have cardiac arrest. Suddenly, he received a phone call saying that it was his patient, Padmavati Amma, who had suffered a cardiac arrest. He ran to check on his patient. Padmavati Amma was already surrounded by other doctors who were attending to her. Dr Narayanankutty stood near her leg observing the emergency procedures. Suddenly, Padmavati Amma opened her eyes and asked him, “Sir, how’s your fever”? Dr Narayanankutty was shocked hearing this.
She was suffering from a cardiac arrest, and everyone in that room was frantically trying to save her life. No one would expect such a question at that moment. Dr Narayanankutty says that he would never forget Padmavati Amma and her question.
“Everyone who has sought my treatment showers me with love. An 80-year-old mother always invites me to her home. I had visited her house around four to five years ago and had food. But she keeps inviting me for lunch every month. When I tell her I am busy,she says she longs to cook me food. There are lots of people who love us,” recalls the doctor.
Do not be arrogant
“There may be situations when we are not able to save a patient’s life. You may feel helpless when the disease reappears after a session of successful treatment. We might feel extremely sad, but you will not be able to provide them with effective treatment if you become dejected. In such instances, you must understand that a patient recovers not because of the doctor’s abilities. A doctor is someone who practises science; that science may not always succeed. So, don’t feel too proud or arrogant when a patient is saved. I never think that a patient was saved because of my talents, or he/she wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for me. I am never too happy or proud whenever a patient recovers because there are others who may not have survived. If you claim the successes, then you will also have to claim the responsibility for the ones you have lost. So, I try my best to offer them effective treatment,” says Dr Narayanankutty.
Hope for future
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, people believed that one wouldn’t survive if he/she was diagnosed with cancer. Besides, a few doctors discouraged proven, science-based treatment methods. It was also a time when people believed in the magical remedies of herbal medicines rather than trusting medical science. Dr Narayanankutty worked in the medical ward at the medical college at the time. He mostly treated patients with blood cancer that is difficult to cure. But most of his patients were cured, and a radiance of hope alighted on their faces. The confident words of the recovered patients filled the newly diagnosed patients with hope.
Some of them even requested the doctor to start an organisation for cancer survivors, which would be helpful for a lot of patients. In 2002, an organisation called Pratheeksha was founded in Kozhikode with 10–12 members. Pratheeksha has been working among cancer patients in Kerala for the last 24 years. Although the organisation was started to help newly diagnosed cancer patients or those already seeking treatment, it has now been able to offer financial support as well. Besides, the organisation often conducts awareness classes explaining how cancer is a lifestyle disease and how to prevent it. Awareness campaigns against breast cancer, as well as anti-smoking campaigns by Pratheeksha, have been extremely successful.
Organic farming
“Turning to organic farming wasn’t easier, especially amid my busy schedules. But, it is better to work harder than buying pesticide laden vegetables,” says the doctor. Lifestyle modification and cancer prevention are two of his favourite fields, he explains. “I often take classes in this subject. I try to make people understand the various reasons why they could get cancer. During classes, people often ask me whether vegetables coming from outside the state are dangerous. Using organically grown vegetables can reduce cancer risk to some extent,” he explains.
A few studies have shown that organic vegetables are rich in minerals, fibre, and micronutrients that may help fight cancer. So, I thought of developing a working model to show the people. I wanted to show them that anyone can start organic farming. I started organic farming with proper planning. Most people do not have a place or a circumstance to grow organic vegetables. We should promote organic farming as vegetables cannot be avoided from our diet. Although it might feel that organic farming is not profitable, you could earn profits with proper planning. It is a matter of joy that I have been able to achieve at least some things that I had dreamed of in life. I proved that vegetables could be organically grown even in five or three cents,” says Dr Narayanankutty with pride.
Citing himself as an example, the doctor says that one could try organic farming, no matter how busy they are. Besides, he sees farming as a great stress buster. He has tried it with his cancer patients and has seen great results. He advised them to grow a vegetable patch at their home and tend to it without too much physical exertion. They will get light physical exercise by watering the plants. Moreover, the patients’ hearts would be filled with joy when they see new flowers blooming on the plants. “I have decided to start this as a pilot project in Perumanna panchayat with more than 100 patients. Pratheesksha organisation and the agriculture department have supplied 25 grow bags to each patient. I wish to do much more in this field. I wish people would find joy and peace of mind through organic farming. The project helps the patient engage in some physical activity rather than thinking and worrying about the disease,” says Dr Narayanankutty.
Dr Narayanankutty complains that people are keen to build high-rises and concrete jungles even on small plots. Although the doctor isn’t sure about the financial viability of the organic farming method, he is delighted to have introduced its benefits to the people. It won’t be difficult to manage expenses if the vegetables are grown for a single household, but it might not be lucrative as the farming expands. After taking what he needs from his kitchen, Dr Narayanankutty gives the surplus vegetables to his friends and colleagues. “They are reluctant to take the vegetables without paying money, and I am hesitant to take money. But they often donate the amount to Pratheeksha. No matter how small the amount is, it would help buy medicines for a patient. Besides, I sometimes supply vegetables to the nearby schools so that they can be included in their midday meal,” says Dr Narayanankutty.